ODDS OF LOVE - SEASON THIRTEEN

Episode 57

" I would like to thank you for choosing Perkins Family Funeral Home for your current burial needs ," Paul Perkins said quietly as he sat on the overstuffed sofa in a dark well cut suit. His blue - grey eyes watched with compassion Ariel Kendall who sat across from him on another sofa next to Nicholas Volkouv. Nicholas also watched her with concern in his eyes. " We would like to offer you our deepest sympathies on your loss. And wish your son well in his recovery. We are very much aware of the tragic accident. "

Ariel nodded. She was not really all that grief stricken though. Yes. In the beginning she had very much loved Gordon but as the years passed that feeling had turned into loathing. She didn't feel like a widow. Nicholas had loved his wives and mourned them both. In some ways he was still mourning Jenessa. She could tell. Her , on the other hand. She felt strange. Like she didn't deserve sympathy. Maybe there should be a word for women like her. The ones who lost a husband and felt more relief than grief. She could wear the black clothes and squeeze out tears and act sad but she really didn't care. Neither did Jeff who said he didn't want to go to the funeral. He was coming back home though for it but only to see Alan. She was starting to regret not letting him come back sooner. Maybe if Alan  saw his brother he would stop being so angry. She was not used to this from her younger son. Jeff , yes. Gordon, definitely. But not Alan. Alan was always her good little boy from the minute he was born. He had been such a happy baby. Even with the leukemia he had not expressed any anger or frustration. But now....... Nicholas said to give him time. Maybe he was right. She glanced over at him beside her. He was so good. So kind and generous. Just like his son Max who texted and emailed her on a regular basis since the accident.

" I would like a very tasteful funeral. Gordon wasn't a flashy man. He was.... not flashy. Perhaps a simple bronze casket. No flowers. Gordon didn't like flowers. I'm asking that people donate to cancer research organizations in his name in lieu of flowers. Of course the funeral should wait until my son is out of the hospital. " She didn't know when that would be. The doctors said Alan was physically well enough to be discharged by next Wednesday. He would need rehabilitation though but she didn't want him going to a facility. She wanted him at home. Perhaps they could do his therapy there. And where would he sleep? His bedroom was upstairs. She could always move him downstairs to the study. The chair could not get up the front steps. He would have to come in the back way. Through the kitchen. So many changes thanks to a stupid woman who couldn't drive. That bitch. She and Keisha Duncan talked by phone every night almost about their sons. They shared one thing in common. Their mutual hatred of Dodie Angeletti. " Perhaps Thursday. A simple quiet elegant ceremony. Then he'll be buried at a cemetery in Montgomery. We have a family plot there. " She wanted to laugh. There was no way she was going to be buried next to that man one day. " My son.... has a boyfriend who plays the violin. I'm going to ask him to play Amazing Grace for the funeral. "

Nicholas reached for her hand and suddenly against her will her lips trembled. Suddenly she wanted to cry. "Gordon.... liked that song. He couldn't sing but he liked to sing it. "

Paul nodded serenely at her. " I think those are excellent choices. We have some very nice choices in our Eternity Grace line. We have a lovely bronze casket for ten  thousand dollars. It's state of  the art really. "

Ariel drew in a breath. " Sir , my husband was a doctor, yes , and I make good money but.... this is so crude discussing this. I don't... We don't.... have ...."

Nicholas shook his head. " Don't worry about the cost , Ariel. You plan it. Pick out his suit. Take care of yourself and Alan and Jeff. " He looked at the mortician and said firmly," All bills for the funeral shall be sent to me. Nothing will be charged to this lady. "